LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new state-of-the-art simulator was unveiled Wednesday at Blue Grass Airport, positioning Kentucky as a national leader in aircraft safety and emergency response. The simulator, one of only 12 in the United States, is designed to emulate real-life aircraft scenarios and features the capability to simulate 28 different fire types that first responders may encounter during aviation emergencies.
The simulator measures over 98 feet in length and boasts a wingspan of more than 63 feet, resembling popular passenger models such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320. Within minutes, it can create a full-scale simulation of various aircraft fires, including engine fires, burning wheels, brake fires, and even smoke in the cockpit.
According to Eric Frankl, President and CEO of Blue Grass Airport, “Whether it’s an engine fire, the wheel, a brake catches fire or there’s smoke in the cockpit or some other unusual circumstance that occurs; it is rare but we’ll learn and train on how to defeat that fire.” The new simulator is part of the Airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Center, which is one of a select few facilities designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for specialized training.
Frankl noted that the unique status of the Lexington facility allows it to serve as a training ground for airport crews from across the nation. “Not only does it train our workforce, our police and fire workforce, but for firefighters at airports all over the country,” he stated. The new simulator, along with a 30-foot helicopter simulator, has replaced outdated training equipment originally installed in the late 1990s. The old technology had reached the end of its useful life, prompting the need for an upgrade.
The facility represents a nearly $13 million investment, primarily funded through federal resources. Renovations began in late 2023 and were completed in time for the upcoming fall training sessions. Frankl confirmed that while limited course instruction continued during construction, a full range of classes is now back on schedule.
U.S. Representative Andy Barr was present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the collaborative effort between federal, FAA, and local Lexington leaders. He reflected on the historical significance of the project, stating, “Folks here in Central Kentucky remember all too well Comair flight 5191; this is a really important thing for this community especially, it’s very emotional, but to be a leader in national aviation safety is a really big plus for our community.”
The training center is preparing for its upcoming 40-hour fall courses scheduled from Nov. 11-15 and Dec. 9-13.
